I have not had an attack for almost ten years until I moved back to Michigan from living in Florida for almost 18 years. My attack happened in November 2001. This was the first time I actually experienced the word P-A-I-N. I felt like I swallowed a box of pins and the pins were stabbing me all over inside my body. I could not take a shower or do anything that caused a lot of movement because the pain was just unbelievable. I did not have a job yet and so I did not have health insurance. I went to a neurologist in Farmington MI and paid out of pocket for her to tell me that I was having an MS attack. She told there was nothing she could do for me just to wait it out. Gee! I spent $195.00 for 15 minutes of the doctor making me touch my nose and walk in a straight line to tell me that I am having an MS attack and there is no relief for this kind of pain.

I went home and suffered in silence. My mom did not understand why I was quiet and did not say much. I tried to explain it to her but she did not understand. It was just easier to keep quiet and hope that the attack will be over soon.

My attack lasted almost 1 month. I realized that today thinking about my episode this was the beginning stages of having this kind of pain every time the weather changes and my skin starts to hurt. Sometimes it feels like pins stabbing me other times it feels like when you have sat on your foot for awhile and it has fallen asleep. Even though the fall season is beautiful here with the leaves changing colors and the air becomes crisp – I dread the season changes because I know that I will be in pain for the next six to seven months.

But I shall overcome this! One day I will be able to live pain free.